New Delhi: Former Indian Cricketer Mohammad Kaif said that the BCCI had decided to reintroduce the uncapped player rule because of MS Dhoni. He opined that the decision was right and that the Chennai Super Kings would be able to retain the former skipper for INR 4 crore.
The IPL, since its inception, allowed Indian players who hadn’t represented the country for the previous five years to be treated as uncapped players. That rule was never used and was discontinued before coming back again ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
During a discussion on Star Sports, Mohammad Kaif was asked about his thoughts on the uncapped player rule potentially allowing CSK to retain Dhoni for a cheaper amount.
“You will get the chance to see MS Dhoni again. He is fit, batting at a strike rate of 200, and keeping well, and that is why I believe the rules will keep changing till he wants to play. If he wants to play in the IPL, he will play. He is such a big player, such a big match-winner, and has been a leader for CSK,” he responded.
“I believe the rule has been changed rightly. I believe if he is fit and playing well, why not, change the rule and let him play. Everyone knows the rule has been changed for Dhoni sahab, and why not, you will want to change the rule for a player like Dhoni,” the former India batter added.
MS Dhoni smashed 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.54 in 11 innings in IPL 2024, he played a few match-defining cameos, with an unbeaten 37 as his top score.
“MS Dhoni himself says that he doesn’t need the money” – Mohammad Kaif
“MS Dhoni himself says that he doesn’t need the money. He always says that he will adjust himself based on whatever the management decides, even though he might be getting four crores as an uncapped player. It looks odd while saying because four crores isn’t much for him,” he said.
Then you have Jadeja there. Ruturaj Gaikwad did well as a captain there last time. He is a young captain but he did a good job. They might want to retain Dube. He has played well. His recent form has been good,” Kaif observed.
